Altoona High School Hosts Sideline Cancer Game to Support Beloved Teacher

The power of sports to unite communities and drive meaningful change was on full display on Saturday, April 13th. At 11 AM, the Altoona High School softball team faced off against their rivals from Hollidaysburg in a game that transcended competition. This year’s Sideline Cancer game was dedicated to supporting a beloved member of the Altoona community, biology teacher Mrs. Heather Partsch, following her recent diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

For those who know Mrs. Partsch, her kindness and dedication to her students are unmatched. Her impact on the lives of those at Altoona High School is immeasurable, which made the outpouring of support during the game all the more poignant. Adding a personal connection, her daughters, Rachel and Sarah, are recent graduates of Hollidaysburg, uniting the two rival schools in an extraordinary display of compassion.

The game wasn’t just about softball—it was about the power of a community coming together to rally around one of its own. Last year, Altoona and Hollidaysburg joined forces in a Sideline Cancer Memorial Game to honor Terry Musselman, a cherished community member who lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. This year, the stakes felt even more personal as both schools stood in solidarity with the Partsch family.

The stands were filled with supporters wearing Sideline Cancer Softball shirts, purchased in part to raise funds for the family. Between the shirt sales, raffle baskets, and donations collected at the game, the event was a resounding success—not just in funds raised, but in the spirit of unity it inspired. It was a day of laughter, tears, and hope, proving once again that sports have the power to heal. $3,900 was raised for the Partsch family.

While the game is over, its message lives on. You can still make a difference by organizing a Sideline Cancer game in your own community. These events are a meaningful way to support local families facing cancer and to bring people together for a common cause. Alternatively, donations to Sideline Cancer can be made directly to continue their impactful work.

The Sideline Cancer game at Altoona High School was a testament to the incredible things that can happen when people come together. It reminded everyone present that some things are indeed bigger than softball.

If your school community shares this spirit and is interested in joining Sideline Cancer’s mission, please reach out to Jordan Griffith at [email protected]. Together, we can make a difference, one donation, one event, and one patient at a time. Join us in the fight against cancer, and let’s continue to spread hope and support to those who need it most.